In Monterrey, Mexico, the Zinc Nacional plant operates relentlessly, processing steel waste around the clock. This sprawling facility has become a focal point of controversy, as it emits pollution that blankets the surrounding neighborhood. Local residents express concerns about the health implications of living near this plant, which releases hazardous substances such as lead, cadmium, and arsenic into the atmosphere. Despite these concerns, Zinc Nacional plays a critical role in the recycling of American steel, a process that accounts for approximately 70% of the steel supply in the United States as reported by the American Iron and Steel Institute.
The Zinc Nacional plant is not just an industrial complex; it is a source of livelihood for many in the area. Sandy Ortiz, a local resident, highlights this connection, stating:
“Practically, most of the people here in the neighborhood work at the plant, either as employees or contractors.”
Ortiz further notes the deep-rooted ties families have with the facility:
“My uncles have spent more than half of their lives there.”
However, this relationship comes with significant environmental and health challenges. The steel recycling process emits fine dust laden with toxic substances that are sold to companies in both Mexico and the United States. A 2020 inspection report flagged issues with uncontrolled emissions from the plant. Despite receiving 53 inspections from the local environmental agency that year, only 18 were conducted. A subsequent inspection was triggered in 2021 after a video emerged on social media showing thick smoke billowing from one of the plant’s stacks.
The plant asserts that its pollution control systems operate with nearly 100% efficiency. Yet, concerns persist, particularly regarding the high levels of cadmium found in the dust produced by the facility. Cadmium exposure poses severe health risks, including potential damage to lungs and kidneys.
In Monterrey, a metropolitan region and industrial hub home to 5.3 million people, air pollution remains a persistent problem. The emissions from Zinc Nacional contribute to this broader environmental issue. An official from Mexico’s top environmental regulator, Semarnat, emphasizes the importance of managing hazardous waste responsibly:
“There shouldn’t be hazardous waste in the open air anywhere.”
This statement underscores the legal and environmental implications of improper waste management:
“That would be a violation of the law and would be punishable.”
The local community's health concerns are exacerbated by conditions at a nearby school located close to the plant. A large sign outside the school credits Zinc Nacional for its support. However, the school reports high levels of arsenic on its premises. A doctor working there has documented numerous cases of respiratory allergies among students.
Dr. Bruce Lanphear, an expert in public health, voices concern over such living conditions:
“People shouldn’t be living in homes with hazards like this.”
Local residents like Isaías Izaguirre remain skeptical about potential health risks due to a lack of concrete evidence:
“We’ve never had a study saying it could make us sick, so we’re not afraid of it.”
The plant's ownership lies with the prominent Alverde Villarreals family, who maintain a significant influence in Monterrey’s business landscape. Eduardo Alverde Villarreal, a representative of the family, refrained from commenting on ongoing studies regarding the plant's impact:
“We are not in a position to comment or discuss a study or its alleged conclusions since we do not know the study, its methodology, or its interpretation.”
In 2022 alone, U.S. companies dispatched nearly 200,000 tons of steel dust to Zinc Nacional—a volume equivalent to over 90,000 new cars. This underscores North America's reliance on facilities like Zinc Nacional for processing electric arc furnace dust. Philip K Bell from an industry association highlights this practice:
“Companies throughout North America have responsibly and beneficially reclaimed [electric arc furnace] dust for decades.”
Despite assurances from industry representatives about responsible practices, questions persist about the long-term environmental and health impacts of such operations in densely populated areas like Monterrey.